Ibini added to Foxtel A-League All Stars squad

Bernie Ibini has been selected for the Foxtel A-League All Stars as a wildcard pick.

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Sydney FC's Bernie Ibini is thrilled to be a wildcard pick in the Foxtel A-League All Stars side that will play Juventus.

Tuesday, 15 July 2014 -

Staff Writer

Sydney FC forward Bernie Ibini has been selected in the Foxtel A-League All Stars squad as one of head coach Josep Gombau’s four wild card picks for the match against Juventus at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Sunday 10 August 2014.

On top of the playing contingent selected in the squad courtesy of fans’ votes, Gombau is given the chance to choose four and has brought Ibini in to further complement his array of attacking options.

Ibini made the move from the Central Coast Mariners to the Sky Blues in the off season following six goals from 16 appearances in 2013/14, and now has the chance to stake his claims for a spot in the Foxtel A-League All Stars line up to face the reigning Serie A champions.

“It’s definitely very exciting and something I’m looking forward to because you don’t get the opportunity to play against world class players like that all of the time,” Ibini said.

“To be part of the All Stars is a great achievement for myself and I’m looking forward to it. To have other boys from the Sydney FC team is definitely going to make it a lot easier to get into camp and work together.

As well as the prospect of coming up against the likes of World Cup stars Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon and French midfielder Paul Pogba, who was crowned best young player at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, 21-year-old Ibini also expressed his excitement at being in the same team as Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero, who will captain the Foxtel A-League All Stars against his former club.

“It’s going to be very special to train and play with Alessandro Del Piero. He’s among the top players to have ever played the game,” Ibini said.

The announcement of Ibini’s inclusion follows last Friday’s news that Gombau has also selected Wellington Phoenix midfielder Albert Riera as one of his wild card picks.

Ibini and Riera’s additions take the number of players in the squad to 16, leaving four spots remaining, which will include another goalkeeper and three more outfield players.

The Foxtel A-League All Stars will meet Juventus at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on 10 August with the